INTERVIEWING TIPS

Pioneer Staffing wants you to be successful in your job search! It is our goal to help you find the best position, in the least possible time, with as little interruption in your day-to-day life. Below lists some interviewing pointers that should help you land that perfect position.

1. Keep your recruiter informed . Keep your recruiter in the loop at all times. Your recruiter is in the best position to assist in salary negotiations and other issues and concerns that arise throughout the interviewing process.  If the recruiter is not aware of recent events, then are unable to help you when necessary.
   
   
2. Answer the question “Is this a good time for me?”  Verify that this is a good time to be looking for a job. If you have a significant other, are they onboard with the decision? Have you made a self-commitment to make time for the interviews? Is there anything going on that will provide significant interruption that will hinder this process?
   
   
3. Phone interviews. Phone screenings provides the initial impression of who you are and what they can expect from you. You want to make sure that once a phone interview is scheduled …
   • You are able to make it. If necessary, you want to call to reschedule at least 12 to 48 hours in advance.
   • You are able to give your undivided attention.
   • Your energy and interest should radiate over the phone. It should not be your “wake-up voice” or your “I had a long day and I am really really tired voice”. You want to be alert, full of energy and excited about the position.
   • Take notes.  Much of the information mentioned here will be insight into the additional interviews that will follow.
   
   
4. Returning Phone Calls. The standard norm for returning a phone call is no later than 1 – 2 days. The earlier you return a phone call, the more interest you show in the position. It is even best to return a phone call late at night, with the understanding that you will get a voicemail, than to not return the phone call. Just leave a message, stating that you know it’s late, but that you really wanted to get back in touch, and also provide a time when either you will call again tomorrow or that the person may contact you. In addition to this point, always provide alternate numbers where you can be reached, and keep the recruiter informed as well. Companies will always call the recruiter to determine what is going on.
   
   
5. Research. Always do your research before an interview. Take the time to review the notes the recruiter may send, or look the company up on the Internet. If possible visit one of their locations. The more you know about the company and their history, the more prepared you will be for an interview, along with the fact that you are showing interest in the position.
   
   
6. Confidence vs Arrogance. It is important to be confident in aninterview. You do want to “toot your own horn so to speak”, highlight the things you have done, awards won, recognitions etc. Yet, you must appear teachable and trainable. In other words “these are the qualities I bring to the table, but here are also the things that I know I want to improve on, or want to learn with your company”. You want to speak and elaborate, but you don’t want to be the only one speaking. You want to inquire and ask questions, showing a desire to learn and understand. If you do appear as unconfident or insecure, then it sends the impression that you don’t know your job. Trust yourself and your recruiter, a good recruiter will only submit you to positions that you “qualify” for. If you qualify, then you just need to talk your job, instead of doing it.
   
   
7. Being Honest. It is very important to be truthful in an interview. Most companies do their research and information will come out eventually. It is very important to be upfront with your recruiter; they have the ability to smooth things out, as well as verify if any problems will occur in advance. In saying that, less is more as well. You should give enough information as needed, without selling yourself short.
   
   
8. Turn Negatives into Positive. Always make a negative a positive. For example a bad job move, not enough experience, etc. Your attitude and your character need to be depicted as enlightening, not bitter.
   
   
9. Always stay PROFESSIONAL. No matter how light the interview gets, you want to blend in, but you want to maintain an aura of professionalism. DO NOT TALK NEGATIVELY ABOUT YOUR CURRENT BOSS OR CURRENT EMPLOYER -- LESS IS ALWAYS MORE.
   
   
10. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. Wear a suit if at all possible. It is much easier to explain why you are overdressed then to explain why you are underdressed. If you are overdressed, you are saying: “I want this job!” If you are having an interview, directly before or after work, and are unable to wear a suit, be sure to let your recruiter and interviewer know in advance. Also walk in with pens and the ability to take notes.
    In addition:
    • Take the layered approach. For example, a blazer can be taken off if it’s too hot or if you need to roll up your sleeves
    • Even if they tell you that it’s ok to dress casual to the interview – don’t. Always step it up with a minimum of looking Business Casual.
    • Details matter. For example: File your nails. If painted, use neutral colors.
    
    
11. Inquire and ASK QUESTIONS. If necessary, prepare them in advance if you believe you will draw a blank. Inquire about the career path, the company performance, the company growth plan and strategy, the president, their training program etc. This helps in two ways, it shows your interest, but it also provides you with the necessary ammunition to make an intelligent decision on if this company is the right one for you.
    
    
12. Making Contact. This covers such interviewing etiquette as establishing eye-to-eye contact throughout the conversation, shaking hands firmly, remembering names, asking for business cards and calling to say Thank You and to show interest (without disturbing the interviewer, 1 call is sufficient).
    
    
13. CANCELLATIONS/RESCHEDULING. Of course it is best to make the interview, if at all possible, but if there is no way, then you want to call to reschedule 12 to 48 hours in advance for the latest. You also want to schedule an interview, when it is extremely comfortable for you. Preferably on a day off to limit the disturbance, or first thing in the morning (if you are a morning person), to limit things that may go wrong throughout the day. If you have accepted another offer, be sure to let your recruiter know always, and if you like the company as well, it allows for the ability to reconsider this opportunity at a later date.
    
    
14. SEE THE OPPORTUNITY THROUGH. Even if you have received an offer, it is to your advantage to see the opportunities that you were interviewing for all the way through. This allows you to compare apples to apples so to speak, and then take the one that is best for you. Just do not accept any offer until you are sure. Again, it is good practice here, to let your recruiter know. They can speed up the process for you, put pressure if necessary, and help you to weigh your options. A good recruiter will know the pros and cons of their client as well as their client’s competitors.
    
    
15. Think CAREER not JOB. You need to be passionate about the opportunity for which you are applying.
    
    
16. THE MONEY ISSUE. It is important to know the salary range of the position you are applying AND the ones for the next two levels above that which you are starting. In our years in the business we found it best to…
    • Avoid discussing money until the final interview. If the interviewer insists give a range or ask what other employees at your level of skill normally receives.
    • If at all possible let your recruiter do the negotiations for you.
    • Sell yourself first, before talking money.
    • Calculate the entire package, for example bonuses, vacations, company car, insurance stipends, holidays, training etc.
    • Ask yourself the question are you willing to trade dollars for opportunity, and if you are considering a lesser pay, how long will it take you to meet or surpass your current salary. There may be times where you may take two steps backwards to jump ten steps forward.
    • Make sure you are comfortable in order to avoid prematurely leaving a company.
    • Discuss with your recruiter the company pay structure, bonus structure, salary reviews and recent statistics of salary increases for that company.
    • Companies do not like “money motivated” people. If the interviewer gets the feeling that you are more passionate about money, instead of your career or the opportunity, they are going to pass. It is the unspoken rule.